Local foodservice provider takes on 6-mile challenge to race down the river rye in a homemade raft

Last month, employees from Bidfood in Birmingham took on the challenge to make their own wooden raft and race down the River Wye, as part of the Monmouthshire Rotary Club’s annual raft race. This year for the club’s 53rd race, Bidfood raised £360 for St David’s Hospice Care. Bidfood’s employees fearlessly rafted six and half miles through rocky water in just over three hours, all in a bid to raise funds to support the great work St David’s do. St David’s is a Welsh based charity that provides hospice care to over 2000 people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Talking about the challenge, Simon Stretch, General Manager at Bidfood in Birmingham, said: “We managed to persuade two large teams from our Birmingham depot, to take part in the race. The day was a great bonding activity, witnessing our teams really come together to raise money for a worthy cause. “I am so proud of my team, for not only building the rafts from scratch, but also piloting them six and a half miles down the river without capsizing in the storm. “Thanks to Garden Village Developments for supplying the timber and some labour to help fabricate our rafts, and therefore stopping us from sinking.” Speaking about the initiative, Norman Williams, Raft Race Coordinator for Monmouthshire Rotary Club, said: "Monmouthshire Rotary Club was very pleased that Bidfood, a prestigious national company, has taken part in our annual charity raft race event to support St David’s Hospice Care. “Bidfood and ourselves are extremely proud to support such a worthy charity who dedicate their time to provide end of life care to patients, in their own homes, and completely free of charge. “Thank you Bidfood for your support, it is greatly appreciated.”